The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has clarified that no alluvial mining lease has been granted in connection with the recent incident at Sambio Village in Morobe Province, describing reports circulating in mainstream and social media as “factually incorrect.”
In a media statement issued on April 30, 2026, Acting Managing Director Harry Kore confirmed that Mining Lease 687 (ML 687) remains under the statutory application process required under the Mining Act 1992 and has not been approved by the State.
“MRA confirms that Mining Lease 687 has not been granted,” the statement said.
The Authority explained that the registration of a mining tenement application does not equate to the approval or issuance of a mining lease, but merely indicates that an application has been formally lodged and recorded for administrative purposes.
The clarification comes amid public concern and online commentary linking the Sambio Village incident to claims that an alluvial mining lease had already been approved.
According to MRA, all mining lease applications are subject to a comprehensive legal and technical assessment process before any final decision is made. This process includes preliminary compliance checks, public notification, a Warden’s Hearing to consider objections, technical assessments, review by the Mining Advisory Council (MAC), and ultimately a decision by the Minister for Mining.
Under the Mining Act 1992, the Minister for Mining has the authority to either grant or refuse a mining tenement based on recommendations from the MAC.
MRA also noted that mining lease applications likely to affect public infrastructure, existing developments, or public safety may be refused.
The Authority urged landowners, stakeholders, and the public to rely on official information released by MRA regarding mining tenements and regulatory matters.
“MRA remains committed to transparency and compliance with the law in administering mining applications,” the statement said.
The Authority also extended its condolences to the families affected by the recent incident at Sambio Village.
“MRA wishes to convey our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the recent incident,” Mr Kore stated.
